MEI 2025
Press Statement By YAB Premier Of Sarawak On Joint Declaration Between Federal And Sarawak Government On Oil & Gas
Press Statement By YAB Premier Of Sarawak On Joint Declaration Between Federal And Sarawak Government On Oil & Gas
1. I wish to express my deepest appreciation to YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership and commitment in formalising the joint declaration that was signed yesterday. The Joint Declaration marks a significant milestone in the evolving partnership between Sarawak and the Federal Government in the spirit of Federalism.
2. This is a testament of the commitment from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Federal Government to honour the aspirations and constitutional rights of Sarawak as enshrined under the federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGC).
3. The Joint Declaration reaffirms our position that both Federal and Sarawak State laws must coexist in harmony and be respected by all parties.
4. The Sarawak Government welcomes this Joint Declaration as a clear manifestation of mutual respect and recognition of Sarawak’s regulatory framework, particularly the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, 2016 (DGO 2016). This collaborative framework will not only provide certainty and clarity to the oil and gas industry in Sarawak, in particular the recognition of the role of PETROS as the gas aggregator.
5. Therefore, all parties undertaking the business of marketing, distribution and supply of gas to consumers in Sarawak ought to comply with the DGO 2016.
6. Moving forward, Sarawak is committed to working closely with the Federal Government, PETRONAS and PETROS to implement this framework in good faith. This sets in motion a strategic shift towards realising Sarawak’s gas potential, advancing the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, and accelerating the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, in line with the aspiration of the State of Sarawak to be the energy hub in ASEAN region.
7. For the purpose of future projects in the State of Sarawak involving international partners, PETRONAS shall cooperate with PETROS.
8. This Joint Declaration shows that Sarawak’s rights is respected and that real progress comes from genuine partnership and mutual trust.
Date: 22 MAY 2025